Man suspected in LA car ramming that injured 30 in custody
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Police say the crash followed an earlier altercation at a nearby business, from which the suspect had been removed.
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A vehicle sits on the sidewalk after ramming into a crowd of people waiting to enter a nightclub along a busy boulevard in Los Angeles early Saturday, July 19, 2025 (AP)
A man suspected of ramming his car into a crowd in Hollywood early Saturday, injuring at least 30 people, is in police custody, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
“He was transported to the hospital, he’s undergoing surgery, he is in stable condition. However, he is not free to leave, he is in the custody of Los Angeles Police Department, and we’re looking at charges such as attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon at this point,” LAPD official Lillian Carranza told CBS.
The incident occurred just after 2 am outside The Vermont music venue, near Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue in East Los Angeles. The venue had just concluded an event when the vehicle veered onto the sidewalk, striking dozens of people.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, 23 individuals were taken to area hospitals, seven in critical condition, six in serious condition, while more than a dozen others were treated on site. Victims included clubgoers, valet attendants, and taco stand vendors.
Angered by the altercation?
Police say the crash followed an earlier altercation at a nearby business, from which the suspect had been removed. Moments later, he allegedly drove his car into the crowd. After the vehicle became disabled, bystanders pulled the driver out and began assaulting him. During the confrontation, an unidentified male shot the driver and fled the scene.
The shooter remains at large, according to LAPD.
The Vermont released a statement expressing deep sorrow, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time."
More than 120 emergency personnel responded to the chaotic scene, authorities said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy", adding, "The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning — a full investigation into what happened is underway."
While the motive for the crash is still under investigation, police have confirmed that the driver was shot after the car struck the crowd. He is expected to be formally arrested once out of surgery.
